Summer is officially here! As summer entails numerous outdoor activities, numerous precautions must be applied as well. Walking your dog may seem simple but it gets tricky come summer time and you must be extra aware so as not to put your dog in danger’s way. Having fun is important but safety must always be a priority.
Numerous animal hospitals from different states have been vocal in reminding dog owners to be extra careful when it comes to walking their dogs considering the significantly hotter temperature that we are experiencing these days. A recent incident sparked awareness online when a Olaf, a golden retriever from Washington, injured his paws. It took a while for Olaf’s owner to notice the injury for Olaf seemed healthy and well as he loved the outdoors. Olaf’s owner only found out about the injury when he saw bloody paw prints all over the floor. The unnamed owner immediately checked Olaf’s paws and saw the severe injury with paw muscles already raw and exposed.
Dog owners must be extra careful as dogs have no means to express that they’re hurting. In fact, most injured dogs pretend that they’re alright just to please their owners. We are glad to report that Olaf is well on his way to recovery and is ever his loving and energetic self. However, let the sad incident serve as a solid warning to all.
To know if it’s too hot for your dog to be walking under the summer sun, always remember that if it’s too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for your dog. Always check the pavement before walking your dog by applying the Five Second Rule. To do this, you just need to put the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If you cannot hold it still for 5 seconds, then it’s too hot for a walk.